Lakeside boys golf is state-bound, and they want to win it all
EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - If you didn’t know already, Columbia County has a rich golf history.
Combining girls and boys, they have ten state championships in the sport.
Half of them belong to Lakeside’s boys team.
Last season, they rallied back from seven back to win it all.
This year, they’re willing to give it all once again.
“I kind of just joke with it that I’m more of a manager than a coach,” said Justin Crawford, head coach.
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Seems to be working out well.
“I don’t want to sound cocky or anything, and we can all play golf,” said McCrae Bella, senior.
The leaderboard usually does the talking for them, three straight championships - the last by 24 shots.
“Having a mentality of like you can’t or you have a target on your back. It’s just like I feel like that puts more nerves on you, and you don’t really want that,” said Nick Flite, sophomore.
“You want to be as calm as you can, and just have a mentality of like going out there, and just doing your best,” said Bella.
You can’t go digging for that in your golf bag, but you’ll find it here anyways.
They joke with each other. They have fun with each other. They enjoy being around each other,” said Crawford. “And a lot of times, that doesn’t happen with a team. And these guys actually enjoy each other’s company.”
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They’re now days away from accomplishing what hasn’t been done in almost two decades - a repeat title for the first time since 2006 and 2007.
“It’s very important to us. I think all these guys, I know all these guys want to win, and leave their mark in Columbia County,” said Nick Flite, sophomore.
“They’re proud of the area tournament, but honestly, that’s not our goal,” said Crawford. “Our goal is a state championship.”
Lakeside girls golf hasn’t won since 2012 and 2013.
Greenbrier girls golf will also tee off Monday in the 5A GHSA state championship..
Two years ago, they won state for the first time ever.
Last season, they finished as state runners-up to Mcintosh.
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